Martha Neufeld

Martha Neufeld (Lesser) nee Mierau March 8, 1922 September 28, 2011 Martha passed away peacefully at her home in Bethany Manor after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Langham, Sask. to John and Lena Mierau. Martha is survived by her loving children Bonita and Kevin Reilly and Malcolm and Wendy Lesser; and her treasured grandchildren Paige and Matthew Lesser. She is also survived by her brothers Edwin (Agnes) Balzer and Reuben (Esther) Balzer, and sisters-in-law Mary Mierau, Lydia Bartel and Linda Bilinski and many special nieces and nephews. Martha dedicated her life to serving the Lord. After becoming gravely ill at the age of 13 with rheumatic fever she promised the Lord, if he would heal her, she would dedicate her life to him. She never waivered from that promise. She attended Swift Current Bible School and then volunteered in the mission field in Montana. In Saskatoon she worked for various households and later as a receptionist for Quaker Oats. In 1961, she married Peter Lesser and moved to the farm in Hague, SK. Mom and Dad were a great team, neither of them afraid of hard work. They prayed for children and were blessed with Bonita being born in 1963 and Malcolm in 1967. In 1995, they moved to Hague where mom was very involved in the local museum, the MCC Clothesbasket and church activities. Dad passed away in 2001 and a few years later Mom moved to Bethany Manor. At Bethany her circle of friends grew larger and she enjoyed playing games, going on tours, singing in various choirs and working in the M.C.C. Craft Room. In 2007, to her surprise she began a courtship with Jake Neufeld, a man with the same values and shared interests and they married in 2008. Sadly they only had a short time together, Jake passed away in 2009. Martha will also be missed by the Neufeld family, whom she cherished and loved. The family would like to thank Dr. Ken Bayly for his kindness to Mom throughout her life and the compassionate care and attendance during the last days of her life. We also appreciate the special care given to mom by the palliative home care team. A Service and Viewing Time will be officiated by Rev. Esther Patkau on Tuesday, October 4 at 10:30 A.M. at Bethany Manor Fellowship Centre, Saskatoon. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at First Mennonite Church, Saskatoon with Rev. Arnie Fehderau officiating. Interment will take place at Hague Cemetery at approximately 4:00 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the Saskatoon Food Bank, #202 Ave. C South Saskatoon, S7M 1N2 or Mennonite Central Committee, 600-45th Street West, Saskatoon, S7L 5W9. Arrangements are in care of Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern (306-232-5245).